Justice News

Multiple Arrests Made in Drug Distribution Conspiracy

FORT WAYNE –United States Attorney David A. Capp announced five indictments and six criminal complaints against 18 individuals allegedly involved in a large-scale drug distribution network. This network involved the movement of cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin in a geographic area encompassing Fort Wayne to Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officers, beginning yesterday morning, arrested 17 of the named individuals. One is a fugitive at this time. In addition, law enforcement officers executed 20 federal search warrants in conjunction with this investigation.

The principal indictment alleges a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin against the following, all from Fort Wayne:

This investigation was directed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force (FWSSTF). Partners in the FBI FWSSTF are the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. In addition, the FBI FWSSTF was assisted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Elkhart Police Department, and the South Bend Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Stacey Speith.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment or Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.